The patent for Microsoft's motion-sensing camera Kinect was released to the public last week, and while we knew most of the stuff contained within, I'd be lying if I said I knew the device could recognise sign language.

But it does. At least, according to the patent it does (things may have changed since, we're checking), as it says that thanks to Kinect's ability to track hand and arm gestures, it can understand somebody signing at it in American Sign Language, and then convert it to either text or spoken word.

A neat feature! It might be totally useless to most of you, but anything that can improve the accessibility of games - and do it as seamlessly as allowing someone to sign at their TV - is a welcome step forward nonetheless.